Seeden: Find solace at 'Blue Christmas'

As a police chaplain, pastor John McFarland is called upon to deal with people experiencing their worst times year-round.

The pastor at Fountain Valley United Methodist Church also knows there are people who are down and sad during the holidays and he wants to reach out to them.

McFarland will present a special service on Dec. 8 that he calls “Blue Christmas in a Minor Key.”

“This is not my original idea,” McFarland said. “Other churches have done this.

“For many people, the Christmas holidays are a painful time, either because they are grieving a loss, are alone, or maybe because they come from a difficult family background. The usual holiday expectations – good cheer, merry-making, family gatherings, gift exchanges – can be a source of sadness or disappointment.

“Blue Christmas” is an opportunity, McFarland said, “to come together as people who are feeling ‘blue' and share the loss and the hope of the holy days without the overlay of social expectations that just may not fit this year.”

McFarland continued: “For some, this year just doesn't fit the template of the holidays. We want to give them permission to come to church just as they are, and all they're feeling, and know they are welcome and accepted.”

Why “minor key?”

McFarland said: “I'm not much of a musician, but when you hear songs, the major keys reflect harmony and positives. When you hear music in a minor key, it connotes sadness.”

The service will “acknowledge the pain and sadness many people experience as the holidays approach, but also encourage one another to move toward hope,” McFarland said.

“The mood will move from solemn to hopeful as the music, lighting and Scriptures acknowledge the presence of God's love through it all,” he said.

United Church of Fountain Valley is known in town for reaching out to the unfortunate. The church has maintained a homeless ministry, called “Welcome Home,” for more than 15 years. Each Saturday, homeless people find support, encouragement, a hot shower and food at the church.

McFarland and his Fountain Valley church have also helped revive the former United Church of Huntington Beach.

“The church is now called Surf City Church and it's alive and well,” McFarland said. “It was really struggling, but the Fountain Valley congregation gave their time, energy and their pastor there to give them a lift.”

Working with Second Harvest, Surf City Church holds a monthly food distribution.

“Every family leaves with at least $200 in food,” McFarland said.

The Dec. 8 “Blue Christmas” service starts at 6 p.m. at the church, 18225 Bushard St.

“When people are down, nobody wants to be around them,” McFarland said. “This is an opportunity to be around others and it's a time to let you cry.”

McFarland added: “Churches are a place where all emotions are OK. You can be just who you are. If you're sad, you can reflect that. Scripture says ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.'”

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